Tampa Restaurant Owner Takes Unique Approach to Combat Dine-and-Dash Incidents, US
In an innovative move to tackle dine-and-dash incidents, Ken Brackins, the second-generation owner of Rick’s on the River in Tampa, has found an unusual but effective way to deal with restaurant patrons who try to leave without paying. Brackins, who grew up at the restaurant, decided to use social media and security cameras to deter such incidents and hold culprits accountable.
Dine-and-dash, a practice where diners leave a restaurant without settling their bill, has long been a headache for restaurant owners and staff. Brackins decided to take matters into his own hands by installing 16 security cameras outside his restaurant. These cameras are not just for surveillance but have become a tool to expose alleged dine-and-dashers on Facebook.
According to Brackins, dine-and-dashers often plan their quick escape in advance. They park near the restaurant’s exit and strategically sit close to the establishment’s exit, making it difficult for staff to keep a constant eye on them, especially during busy times. To combat this, Brackins and his team have been posting close-up footage from the security cameras, which he claims clearly shows diners attempting to dash.
Brackins has two primary objectives in doing so. First, he seeks help from the public in identifying the alleged thieves. Second, he aims to deter others from attempting to rip off his business by making potential dine-and-dashers famous, or rather infamous.
Over the past two years, this unique deterrent system has evolved. Brackins’ staff now edit the security video footage into short films, intended to embarrass the accused. These videos are posted on Facebook and have garnered significant attention, with one video posted in August amassing nearly 9,000 views and numerous comments.
The latest video showcases an employee arguing with a woman in the parking lot, who Brackins claims skipped out on a beer tab. The video is set to circus music and includes close-ups of the woman’s face and her car’s license plate, along with a caption detailing the incident.
Despite the potential legal consequences of dine-and-dash incidents, Brackins chooses not to involve the police unless absolutely necessary. He believes that the police have more pressing matters to attend to. Instead, he relies on the public’s help, and it seems to be working. Since implementing this approach, the majority of individuals caught on camera have paid their bills within 48 hours of the Facebook post.
However, Brackins notes that those who return to pay often do not tip and prefer to call in their payment with a credit card, which he insists they do in person. In some cases, individuals have learned about the online footage and reached out to the restaurant themselves, while others were reported by family members.
The public also plays a crucial role in this unique deterrent system by sharing the Facebook posts. By sharing these videos, the community is actively contributing to holding dine-and-dash culprits accountable.
Brackins’ latest strategy involves turning these incidents into comedic short films, which will become the new norm. These videos will remain on Facebook indefinitely, regardless of requests to take them down.
While some may argue that this approach is unconventional, it has garnered significant support from the public. Many view it as a way to ensure accountability and discourage unethical behavior. As Brackins himself puts it, “That’s the consequences of it. It’s like the modern Scarlet Letter.”
In conclusion, Ken Brackins’ unique approach to combating dine-and-dash incidents at Rick’s on the River in Tampa has proven effective in holding culprits accountable and deterring future attempts. Through security cameras and social media, he has found a way to make dine-and-dashers think twice before attempting to leave without paying, while also involving the community in the process.
